topic Re: Advice on a new camera? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Advice on a new camera?

Q-Mama — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 18:49:04 GMT

I have had many AF issues with my 5D Mark III (two years old) and the service center said they fixed the issue, but the AF is awful and still doesn’t work right. Every other image is blurry.

I’ve read similar issues with AF in reviews on B&H and the Canon site. I thought about switching to a Mark IV, but reviews are saying many have AF issues, too. Ready to give up and switch brands...thinking Leica...

Any advice? I just want sharp images and a reliable camera.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

RobertTheFat — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 21:09:44 GMT

@Q-Mama wrote:
I have had many AF issues with my 5D Mark III (two years old) and the service center said they fixed the issue, but the AF is awful and still doesn’t work right. Every other image is blurry.

I’ve read similar issues with AF in reviews on B&H and the Canon site. I thought about switching to a Mark IV, but reviews are saying many have AF issues, too. Ready to give up and switch brands...thinking Leica...

Any advice? I just want sharp images and a reliable camera.

I have both a Mark III and a Mark IV and have never had any such issues.

As for the Leica: If you're rich enough, go for it! Methinks it's designed for those who put image ahead of functionality. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

wq9nsc — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 21:14:03 GMT

I have a 5DS R which is the high resolution variant built on the Mark III platform and the AF works fine. I haven't experienced any focus issues with it and I use a variety of glass from a 17-40 F4 wide angle through 400 and 800mm fast primes. It delivers sharp images and although it isn't quite as good as my 1DX II and III at tracking fast sports nothing else is in their class either for fast action.

Post a couple of the blurry images with exif data intact to the forum.

Rodger

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Waddizzle — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 12:51:09 GMT

Can you post a sample of a blurry photo? Could you include the exposure settings, AF mode, lens info, etc? Post enough information for someone to reproduce your issue.

Thanks, ahead of time.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Q-Mama — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 13:01:37 GMT

Thank you! I did this on another thread here and it was determined the issue needed Canon repair. The AF has been “fixed” twice by Canon. I also had issues with my flash, I used it once and it no longer works. Ready to give up on Canon, sadly.

I used a rented camera (non Canon) and the photos were amazing... I thought maybe I lost my touch for photography but it was the camera!

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Waddizzle — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 13:17:36 GMT

@Q-Mama wrote:
Thank you! I did this on another thread here and it was determined the issue needed Canon repair. The AF has been “fixed” twice by Canon. I also had issues with my flash, I used it once and it no longer works. Ready to give up on Canon, sadly.

I used a rented camera (non Canon) and the photos were amazing... I thought maybe I lost my touch for photography but it was the camera!

" I brought the camera with me to Banff on a trip and it was accidentally dropped by my friend. "

Oh, man. I am sorry to hear about that last part. Let Canon know that it was dropped. Good Luck!

Re: Advice on a new camera?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 14:46:38 GMT

"I thought maybe I lost my touch for photography but it was the camera!"

I am not convinced! Sorry, but thousands upon thousands of 5D Mk III and Mk IV create perfectly sharp images by the millions every day. The fact yo uhave an issue puts the overwhelming odds that you are the factor. Now of course you need to send the camera to Canon for a C&C. However, when it comes back and images are still not sharp ypu need to look elsewhere.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Q-Mama — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:01:08 GMT

Thank you! They have “fixed” it twice for the same issue and it still isn’t working properly. I’ve paid each time for repairs. Agree, I may need to look elsewhere! Appreciate the response.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:25:18 GMT

"Agree, I may need to look elsewhere!"

I am afraid you misunderstand. I am not trying to be rude but the "elsewhere" I refer to is you. The best answer after Canon has looked at it twice, you say, the most logical, is your own technique and/or procedures. Sorry but that is where you need to start. The overwhelming evidence supports the ability of the 5D series of cameras. Remember no one gets every shot Nobody!

Re: Advice on a new camera?

John_SD — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:44:04 GMT

@Q-Mama wrote:
Thank you! They have “fixed” it twice for the same issue and it still isn’t working properly.

I don't own a 5D Mark III, but I suggest you go back to square one. If you aren't your own worst critic, you need to be. Assume you are the one at fault and you can't go far wrong. Review all your photos with a critical eye. Ask yourself, "How did I screw up this shot and why?"

Download the full user guide if you haven't already. Study up on the section that discusses AF, and read it over several times. Practice with various AF focal points, scenarios and zone settings. Get that down cold. Start with still images. Then move on to subjects in motion. Best of luck.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Q-Mama — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:09:58 GMT

Understood. I used another camera and the images came out perfect every time.... believe me, it took a while for me to say it was the equipment.

Canon identified twice there was an issue with the AF... so I know that is the exact issue.

I read reviews for the Mark IV and others experienced AF issues. Trying to find a good Canon camera with no big AF issues... coming up empty.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Q-Mama — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:16:12 GMT

Thank you! I rented another camera and had zero AF issues... with that said, I’m pretty certain it wasn’t me.

Canon Service also identified there was an AF issue... the same one they repaired prior.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

John_SD — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:16:35 GMT

@Q-Mama wrote:
Trying to find a good Canon camera with no big AF issues... coming up empty.

Thread should be marked as Solved.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:23:15 GMT

"Canon identified twice there was an issue with the AF... so I know that is the exact issue."

Not wanting to beat a dead horse as it seems your mind is made up but what "exactly" was the issue Canon found, "twice"?

" I used another camera and the images came out perfect every time."

Not a confirming or condemning fact. Still trying to find the answer and solution for you so any further info will be helpful. Do keep your mind open. It is easy to blame the gear and not so easy to blame yourself.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Waddizzle — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:25:46 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Canon identified twice there was an issue with the AF... so I know that is the exact issue."

Not wanting to beat a dead horse as it seems your mind is made up but what "exactly" was the issue Canon found, "twice"?

" I used another camera and the images came out perfect every time."

Not a confirming or condemning fact. Still trying to find the answer and solution for you so any further info will be helpful. Do keep your mind open. It is easy to blame the gear and not so easy to blame yourself.

Did you notice that she said the camera had been dropped? The problems began after it had been dropped.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:31:26 GMT

Yeah, I did but I assumed it was fixed since it went to Canon two times? I strongly suggest it is not the camera but the hardest thing it to do is admit it was the person and not the gear. If the drop was after two visits to Canon all bets are off. But this person said no Canon camera they looked at, had good AF characteristics. You and I both know that is ridiculous.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

RobertTheFat — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:34:20 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Canon identified twice there was an issue with the AF... so I know that is the exact issue."

Not wanting to beat a dead horse as it seems your mind is made up but what "exactly" was the issue Canon found, "twice"?

" I used another camera and the images came out perfect every time."

Not a confirming or condemning fact. Still trying to find the answer and solution for you so any further info will be helpful. Do keep your mind open. It is easy to blame the gear and not so easy to blame yourself.

Did you notice that she said the camera had been dropped? The problems began after it had been dropped.

Where was the note about it being dropped? I see it in one of your replies, but I can't find it in any of the OP's posts. She said something about another thread. Is that where it was? If it really did happen before the problems appeared, I agree that it's probably the cause.

Re: Advice on a new camera?

Waddizzle — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 16:37:15 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:
@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Canon identified twice there was an issue with the AF... so I know that is the exact issue."

Not wanting to beat a dead horse as it seems your mind is made up but what "exactly" was the issue Canon found, "twice"?

" I used another camera and the images came out perfect every time."

Not a confirming or condemning fact. Still trying to find the answer and solution for you so any further info will be helpful. Do keep your mind open. It is easy to blame the gear and not so easy to blame yourself.

Did you notice that she said the camera had been dropped? The problems began after it had been dropped.
Where was the note about it being dropped? I see it in one of your replies, but I can't find it in any of the OP's posts. She said something about another thread. Is that where it was? If it really did happen before the problems appeared, I agree that it's probably the cause.

Yes, the "dropped" comment was in the other thread she mentioned. Sample photos are posted, too.